Have you ever noticed when some people walk into a room, the energy level of that room goes up a couple of notches? Sometimes a person’s sunny personality brightens even the gloomiest person’s mood. I know a few people like that. They bring their own sunshine, and have an irresistible zest for life.
Moreover, I live with an extremely vivacious 3 year old whose zest for life is infectious. He greets every new day with equal excitement and joy. Very few things really get him bogged down (potty training being one of them 😛 ). He is always ready for the next adventure. It’s the little things that fill him with joy. For example, when his dad sets up his new toy station, he runs around the house doing his happy dance for a good 10 minutes, or the times he is able to negotiate an extra slice of cake for himself, his excited squeal of delight reaches even the neighbors.
I guess as we grow up, we kind of lose touch with the simple joys and our natural optimism. How wonderful would it be if we retained some of that childlike zest for life? It would certainly make us happier as individuals and brighten the lives of those around us, as zest is like that – it’s highly contagious.
Psychologists say that zest is one of the five character strengths that contribute most to a sense of satisfaction and well being (The other four being curiosity, gratitude, optimism, and the ability to love and be loved). So if we are looking to increase our happiness, we should start approaching every new day with a zest for life. Don’t you think?
*This post is written for the AtoZChallenge.
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Viyoma
So true.. Zest is something we tend to miss out..on our busy days. We attribute it to vacations and relaxing days…Time to rethink- seriously…
Viyoma recently posted…You will see a “New Me”
Shanaya Tales
True that. Thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Geets
O yes! Well said.. and we love people who have this persona.. it automatically charge things up!!
Loved this one Shantala..
Cheers
Geets recently posted…Z-Zeal
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Geets. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Mee Magnum
Congratulations on completing the Challenge!
So many blogs… it’s past the end, but I’m still discovering new ones every day. Your’s is great! Keep up the good work!
–Mee (The Chinese Quest)
Mee Magnum recently posted…[REVIEW] Dynasty of Port Washington
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Mee. The feeling is mutual. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Roshni
It’s sad that we tend to become subdued as we grow older!
Congrats to you for completing the challenge so successfully!
Roshni recently posted…Thankful for teachers
Shanaya Tales
Sad, indeed.
Thank you so much, Roshni. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Rajlakshmi
Indeed some people have so much energy. My manager is like that … it’s infectious. 🙂
It was a pleasure reading you though the a to z challenge 🙂
Rajlakshmi recently posted…Yoga Zentangle
Shanaya Tales
It was a pleasure reading you too, Raj. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Suzy
Yes we should have a childlike zest for life. Nice post and nice way to end. Congratulations for finishing the challenge.
Suzy recently posted…Love is in the air – Zillion
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Suzy. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Salvwi Prasad
Congratulations on completing the AtoZ challenge. Thank you for all the encouraging words from you for my posts throughout this challenge. I am glad we could connect here.
Cheers,
POETICbug
Salvwi Prasad recently posted…Zipper
Shanaya Tales
I am glad to have connected with you too, Salvwi. 🙂 AtoZ was such fun!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow)
Congrats on finishing!!!!
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow) recently posted…Zoning on Maui – Trying to Make Sense of It
Shanaya Tales
Thank you, Courtney. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
David P. King
I work in psychology, and I pretty much agree with your sentiments on zeal.
Congrats on surviving the challenge! 🙂
David P. King recently posted…The WOVEN A to Z Challenge: Z is for Zack!
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, David. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Tim Brannan
Excellent!
Congratulations on completing the A to Z blogging challenge!
Don’t forget about the A to Z Reflections post coming up in May.
—
Tim Brannan, The Other Side Blog
2015 A to Z of Vampires
http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/
Tim Brannan recently posted…A to Z of Vampires: Zburător
Shanaya Tales
I will not. Thank you so much. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Susan Gourley
I think we do lose that appreciation for simple joys. My youngest son is one of those people who light up a room. I hope your son is always like that. I’ve really enjoyed your posts this month.
Shanaya Tales
It has been wonderful knowing you, Susan. AtoZ was so much fun!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Tim H
My wife is one of those people, and it’s partially why I married her. It’s very rare that she is in a bad mood and she always makes a room seem alive.
Tim H recently posted…Z is for Zambia – A to Z Challenge
Shanaya Tales
You are one lucky person! Glad that you have found such a positive life partner. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
G Angela
Like the word Zest ! the very use of it brings in loads of energy; zealous people always inspire; and I agree they carry so much of positivity; the energy level in the room goes up… thanks for sharing !
G Angela recently posted…Z for Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang
Shanaya Tales
Thank you for visiting, Angela. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Meghana
Totally agree with you Shantala. And Congratulations for completing this challenge successfully. I had everyday waited for your posts. You’ve kept me hooked completely. Have enjoyed reading them equally.
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Megh. 🙂 <3
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Shali Jay
Wonderful Shantala.
Loved reading all your posts including this one and I will revisit when i need a little positivity in my life.
good luck and happy blogging 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Shali. It was wonderful getting to know you through AtoZ. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Prasanna
It is true. I see the same zest as your son has in my daughter. Every morning when she gets up, it’s a new day for her to explore and have fun. And it’s fun to learn new things through her eyes. Congrats for completing the challenge Shantala 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Yeah, kids are like that. 😀
Thank you so much, Prasanna. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Sundari Venkatraman
What an awesome finale to A-Z Challenge! Simply superb Shanaya 🙂 One person in my life who was full of zest till he died at 97 was my Grandpa. He never fell ill and hasn’t been hospitalised in his lifetime. He had all the five qualities that you mention. I do my best to emulate him and somewhere have succeeded to an extent.
Congratulations on completing A-Z Challenge 😀
My A-Z posts: http://sundarivenkatraman.blogspot.in
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Sundari. I am so glad to have come across you through AtoZ. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
elly stornebrink
Sounds like a great idea Shanaya! 😉 And with child-like zest full of wonder and delight! 🙂 BTW, I wrote about zest too at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2015/04/a-to-z-challenge-z-is-for-zest.html 😉 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted…#A to Z Challenge: Z is for …Zest!
Shanaya Tales
Thank you, Elly. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Alison Williams
A lovely post to end the A-Z Challenge with. I’ve really enjoyed your posts and look forward to reading more from you 🙂
Alison Williams recently posted…#AtoZChallenge: Y is for Your and You’re
Shanaya Tales
It’s the same with me. I am glad to have connected with you too, Alison. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Catherine Johnson
Great thoughts about zest, Shanaya. I’m so glad I discovered your blog on the A-Z Challenge.
Catherine Johnson recently posted…Y for York
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Catherine. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!